How do CS students choose portfolio projects that actually get noticed by recruiters?

As a CS student, I’m trying to avoid building generic clone apps that everyone has on their resume. I want my portfolio to feature a tool that solves a real problem for real users.

My current idea is a web platform where people can use their spare time to earn extra income via affiliate links.

For those who hire junior devs, does a project like this demonstrate good real-world software building skills or is the scope too focused on the business side?